Asthma and Obesity - Unraveling the Complex Relationship

How Does Obesity Affect Asthma Symptoms?

An increase in body mass index affects the lungs, disrupts the count of inflammatory cells, and triggers asthma symptoms.

Here is the kicker: an increase in weight can affect your asthma control and management. If you have a high body mass index and don’t do physical activity, the respiratory muscles will be weakened. Additionally, if you have asthma and you don’t do physical activity, then you may go through some serious situations, such as severe asthma attacks. Wait, here are more! If you are late, you will not respond to asthma medications, which may lead to severe asthma. Here, the story is not over. It may even lead to other respiratory diseases, like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). But don’t get scared and upset! Be relaxed! Here is the kicker. Maintain your weight, and your lungs will be under your control.

What Is the Burden and Impact of Obesity in Severe Asthma?

Obesity is the major cause of asthma, mainly severe asthma. Yes, it’s true! So, obese people, be alert! If you are obese and have asthma, then your asthma can be poorly controlled. However, the reason behind the link between obesity and asthma is not known. Research is needed to determine the cause. Genetic and inflammatory factors are the main reasons.

Can Losing Weight Improve Asthma Control?

Obese people! Do you want to improve your asthma symptoms? If yes, decrease your body mass index, and then you will notice the following symptoms. Other than losing body mass index, there is no cure.

• It will help you breathe more easily.

• Keep your asthma in check.

• Take your prescribed medicines.

• Kicking symptoms to the curb.

• Regular exercise—it's a total win for your asthma condition.

Listen! If you lose some weight, it can help in asthma management. So move more, and your weight will be under control.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes to Manage Asthma and Obesity?

Some people don’t want to take medicines and want only some home remedies to manage their condition. Now, let us talk about some easy changes that treat both your conditions - asthma and obesity.

Dietary Recommendations for Asthma and Obesity:

If you are fat and have asthma, the daily life recommendations you need are below:

1. To decrease your liquor intake.

2. The meals you are taking should be small and short.

3. The food you eat should be healthy, like green vegetables and fruits, balanced and nutritious.

Physical exercise includes yoga, walking, and jogging.

Behavioral Therapy and Obesity Treatment:

It’s for all people, but people who fail to exercise or adopt a healthy diet can benefit from this therapy. The therapy develops problem-solving skills and addresses the psychological components.

How Do You Start an Exercise for Weight Control With Asthma?

Listen, asthma sufferers! If you want to save your lungs, first save your body. I know you are thinking about where to start to lose weight. Just start with an exercise. Wait! I will also tell you how to start an exercise program for weight loss. Here you go.

• Firstly, start with light movement, like walking and cycling.

• In your initial phase, walk slowly and gradually increase your intensity and time.

• After that, start with lightweight exercises, like stretching exercises.

• You can also adjust your exercise time according to your asthma attacks.

• But, please don’t go or exercise in an area with an asthma trigger because it will aggravate your asthma.

• Don’t forget to warm up first before an exercise and then cool down after it.

• Remember! Drink a lot of water.

What Are the Medical Treatments for Obese Asthma Patients?

If asthma and obesity are not controlled with dietary steps and exercise, medical treatment is necessary. The healthcare provider will make the following dietary recommendations:

• Corticosteroids: The healthcare provider will prescribe corticosteroids, which will remove the blockage in the airways and help with breathing.

• Quick-Acting Beta Agonists: These are the alternative drugs to corticosteroids. The healthcare provider may also suggest that the patient take this drug with corticosteroids. In addition, the doctor may prescribe a quick inhaler to provide relief to the obese asthma patient.

• A short-acting beta-agonist comes next.

• Leukotriene Modifiers: These are the new drugs that can save the lives of obese asthma patients. Drugs like Montelukast can be used.

• Surgical Treatment: If the above medical treatment fails, people should undergo surgical treatment. That is bariatric surgery, in which the surgeon removes part of the stomach to reduce its size.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, most people are obese due to excessive intake of junk food. In addition, asthma also affects several people. So, obese people should reduce their weight. If they are already contracting asthma, it will worsen their condition. So, people should first follow dietary and exercise recommendations. If this fails, they should go for medical treatment.

Key Takeaway From iCliniq:

If you are obese with asthma, you must lose weight because an increase in weight can worsen asthma. You can do this by following a proper diet, exercising, and reducing stress. If you want more guidance on how to lose both medical conditions, you can contact our specialized doctors at iCliniq.